The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy last week kicked off Operation Awkward in its areas of responsibility by engaging its aerial, surface and underwater elements. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that it was to assess the response of men and assets to defend the harbour and base against any threat or emergency It was on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 when the stillness of the air at the Western Naval Command (WNC), Apapa, Lagos, was broken by the wailing of sirens emanating from ships and vessels anchored at the jetty. To the untrained, it was a move to panic but for the several officers and men of the command and by extension, the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS BEECROFT), it was a signal to kickstart the drills, which are part of the stimulation to herald the 2021 Operation Awkward.